“It was such a long time ago, you see,” said Joe, after a while. “I was not out when it was arranged, and it seemed so natural. But now–it is quite different.”
“But of course, if you do not love him, you must not think of marrying him,” said Sybil, simply.
“I won’t,” answered Joe, with sudden emphasis. “But I shall have to tell him, you know,” she added despondently.
“It is very hard to say those things,” said Sybil, in a tone of reflection. “But of course it must be done–if you were really engaged, that is.”
“Yes, almost really,” said Joe.
“Not quite?” suggested Sybil.
“I think not quite; but I know he thinks it is quite quite, you know.”
“Well, but perhaps he is not so certain, after all. Do you know, I do not think men really care so much; do you?”
“Oh, of course not,” said Joe scornfully. “But it does not seem quite honest to let a man think you are going to marry him if you do not mean to.”
“But you did mean to, dear, until you found out you did not care for him enough. And just think how dreadful it would be to be married if you did not care enough!”